Theodore Nicholas Samble, 84, of Springfield, died on Friday. He was born in Agawam, and grew up on his uncle's dairy farm in Hampden. He attended Springfield Trade High School, class of 1947. He was first employed at the original Friendly's store in Springfield. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon returning home, he worked at Howard Lumber in Wilbraham and attended Western New England College at night, where he earned his bachelor of arts degree. He worked for 28 years in the West Springfield Public School System as a shop teacher, retiring after 26 years in 1990. Throughout his years at Howard Lumber and the remainder of his life he was also a master finish carpenter.